Six Vermont schools belonging to the Chittenden Central Supervisory Union were shut down earlier this week after an armed person threatened to appear at Essex High School, prompting the closure.The incident was likely the result of "swatting," investigators said.Swatting, an incident where authorities are tricked into sending a SWAT team to a location based on a false report or phone call, has grown in popularity during the past decade.Fraudulent reports of hostage situations, bomb threats and murders have tricked heavily-armed law enforcement teams into aggressively entering homes and businesses - only to find no illegal activity inside.A few years ago, swatting became a popular way to prank online video game players.In 2015, US Air Force veteran Joshua Peters was swatted while playing “Runescape." Armed police officers stormed into Peters' Minnesota home, all in front of an online audience of about 60,000 people."I see you posting my address. I had police point a gun at my little brothers because of you. They could have been shot, they could have died because you chose to SWAT my stream," Peters said, addressing the anonymous prankster.In 2014, a SWAT team surrounded the home of a Bungie game developer due to an anonymous tip that he "had an assault rifle and had placed explosives in the yard and he was holding a family hostage.”When police arrived, they found the man asleep with his family. No one was hurt, but it allegedly took nearly an hour for officers to determine no real danger was present.Swatting can be dangerous and psychologically damaging to unsuspecting victims. It's been described as an act of terrorism due to its potential to waste resources, cause disruptions and deviate attention from actual emergencies."Law enforcement agencies at all levels are currently working with telecommunications providers around the country to help them address swatting activity," the FBI said.

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vermont —

Six Vermont schools belonging to the Chittenden Central Supervisory Union were shut down earlier this week after an armed person threatened to appear at Essex High School, prompting the closure.

The incident was likely the result of "swatting," investigators said.

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Swatting, an incident where authorities are tricked into sending a SWAT team to a location based on a false report or phone call, has grown in popularity during the past decade.

Fraudulent reports of hostage situations, bomb threats and murders have tricked heavily-armed law enforcement teams into aggressively entering homes and businesses - only to find no illegal activity inside.

A few years ago, swatting became a popular way to prank online video game players.

Armed police officers stormed into Peters' Minnesota home, all in front of an online audience of about 60,000 people.

"I see you posting my address. I had police point a gun at my little brothers because of you. They could have been shot, they could have died because you chose to SWAT my stream," Peters said, addressing the anonymous prankster.

In 2014, a SWAT team surrounded the home of a Bungie game developer due to an anonymous tip that he "had an assault rifle and had placed explosives in the yard and he was holding a family hostage.”

When police arrived, they found the man asleep with his family. No one was hurt, but it allegedly took nearly an hour for officers to determine no real danger was present.

Swatting can be dangerous and psychologically damaging to unsuspecting victims. It's been described as an act of terrorism due to its potential to waste resources, cause disruptions and deviate attention from actual emergencies.

"Law enforcement agencies at all levels are currently working with telecommunications providers around the country to help them address swatting activity," the FBI said.